I found this recipe back in the late ’80s and knew it was a special cake. The caramel icing can be a little tricky because you have to work quickly, but it’s so worth it!

 

  • Total Time
    Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling
  • Makes

    12 servings

    Ingredients

    • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    • 3 large Eggland’s Best eggs, room temperature
    • 2 cups cake flour
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1-1/3 cups 2% milk
    • ICING:
    • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 6 tablespoons butter, cubed
    • 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Caramel popcorn with peanuts, optional

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 well-greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a microwave, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
    • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, allspice and cloves; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
    • Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
    • In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove from heat; gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla.
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate; pour half of the warm icing over the cake. Top with remaining cake layer. Pour remaining icing over top of cake. If desired, top with caramel popcorn.

    Nutrition Facts

    1 slice: 589 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 92g carbohydrate (70g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.